Avoiding extremes

by CR (118)

In defining the lines of character, everyone should consider the middle ground, the avoidance of extremes, so that a balance is established. 

Fear and recklessness are two extremes, at whose midpoint lies courage, a virtue that is a component of the character.

All moral attributes are at equal distance from these two extremes. Still in extreme positions lie the wasteful and the avaricious, but the moderate is at the centre, which represents the ideal position for all individuals of good character.

In those very extreme positions are the negative attributes that undermine the spirit, while in the center, 

the positive, ideal and constructive qualities shine through, which dignify and ennoble the soul, making it grow on the ascending scale of spiritual evolution.

Just like wastefulness and avarice, malice and worship also occupy extreme points, but benevolence and friendship have a prominent place in the centre.

Both malice and worship create reprehensible situations: while malice arouses the feeling of aversion, hatred and revenge with the most pernicious effects for the individual who entertains them, worship leads to fear, subservience and demoralized humility, the subjugation of initiatives, the alienation of the will, and lack of self-confidence, bringing about spiritual discredit and a glaring invalidation of self-worth.

References

[1] Christian Rationalism, 1st Edition, Rio de Janeiro 1984

[2] Compilation, paraphrasing, translation from original texts in Portuguese